Red alert: Deadly skin fungus threatens fire salamanders in Hesse!

Red alert: Deadly skin fungus threatens fire salamanders in Hesse!

In the last few months the skin fungus has Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has reached alarming proportions in Germany. This pathogen, which was detected in Frankenau, northern Hesse, represents a significant threat to native fire salamanders. Confirmations of the infestation came from the Hessian State Laboratory and the University of Trier after a dead fire salamander was examined in the spring.

The Bsal infestation was also detected in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, where it was first documented in autumn 2024. This region is of great importance for the protection of fire salamanders, which are threatened in Germany and Europe. The effects of the fungus are serious as in most cases it leads to the death of infected animals.

Exacerbation of the situation

The first evidence in Hesse dates back to 2023, when a great crested newt near Ober-Ramstadt-Wembach tested positive. Further evidence at the end of February 2024 revealed over 30 dead fire salamanders near Biedenkopf. These numbers illustrate the rapid spread of the fungus, which could have devastating consequences for salamander and newt populations in Hesse and Europe. The situation is particularly worrying in the Netherlands, where 96% of native fire salamanders have died since 2012.

The Bsal mushroom has Asian origins, where some tailed amphibians are adapted to it. Experts suspect that it came to Europe by importing newt species for the pet trade. The national park administration took immediate action. A monitoring system was set up to observe the spread of the fungus and take samples.

Protective measures and education

Visitors to the national park are asked to follow instructions to prevent the spread of fungi. These include:

• Auf ausgewiesenen Wegen bleiben.
• Hunde an der Leine führen und von Gewässern fernhalten.
• Schuhe und Fahrradreifen nach dem Besuch gründlich reinigen.
• Desinfektionsmöglichkeiten an den Nationalparkausgängen nutzen.
• Sichtungen von Feuersalamandern oder toten Tieren mit Standortangabe melden.

The importance of these measures is underlined by the Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG), which has been promoting an advance warning system for the early detection of infections since 2018. The close cooperation between the Justus Liebig University of Giessen and other institutions is also intended to support the goal of preventing the spread of the fungus in sensitive core zones of the protected area.

Biodiversity in focus

The spread of the Bsal mushroom also sheds light on overall biodiversity and the importance of effective conservation measures. A current meta-study shows that such measures can have predominantly positive effects on the preservation of biodiversity. It becomes clear that short-term studies are also useful for evaluating nature conservation activities. Conserving and restoring this biodiversity is critical to the survival of many species, including the threatened fire salamander.

Overall, the epidemiological developments surrounding the Bsal fungus are a powerful wake-up call for conservationists and the public. Only through concerted efforts and compliance with protective measures can it be ensured in the long term that biodiversity is preserved, especially in sensitive ecosystems such as the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park.